Veteran sports writer Jim Utter covers NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer and its racing site, ThatsRacin.com. In this space, Jim writes about all things NASCAR and other forms of racing which may also be relevant ... or not.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Jeff Burton lands a ride for the 2014 NASCAR season

NASCAR veteran Jeff Burton has landed at least a part-time ride for the 2014 Sprint Cup Series season.

Michael Waltrip Racing announced on Monday it has contracted Burton to test and
drive in a select number of races during the 2014 season in
the No. 66 Toyota. Burton, a 21-time winner in the Cup series, will participate in next week's NASCAR test at Charlotte Motor Speedway for MWR.

In addition, Burton will also test in place of Brian Vickers in the No. 55 Toyota in January at Daytona. Vickers is on medical leave until the end of January. Burton's first race in the No. 66 is scheduled for March 9 at Las Vegas.

In the upcoming
weeks, MWR will announce any other events added to Burton’s schedule.

Team co-owner Rob
Kauffman said Burton will help MWR both on and off the track.

“Michael Waltrip
Racing has two teams and drivers racing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship
in 2014 and our third team will play a very important role in that pursuit,”
said Kauffman.

“We were extremely
fortunate to have a driver as experienced and respected as Jeff Burton come
available. He will be able to have an immediate impact as we continue to strive
for that last one percent that separates champions from
contenders.”

Burton said he
relishes his new role.

“I’ve heard all good
things from the drivers who raced at MWR over the last couple of years and I
certainly have seen how fast their cars have been,” he said. "These are great
people who have dedicated themselves to become winners at the highest level.
Michael and Rob are so committed to success and I wanted to be a part of that.
I’m excited to do something new and will work hard to help the other two teams
compete for wins and a championship.”

Given that the Toyotas are actually built here in the US, (while the Fords and Chevys aren't), I fear the Professor is off base to why Burton's move is a huge step backwards. I don't care that the TRD is Japanese owned, my problem with is the long history of cheating at MWR